Indie Arena Booth, following a highly successful showcase at gamescom 2024, is once again opening submissions for its 2025 edition, expanding its exhibition space from 1,537.5 to an impressive 2,037.5 square meters. With this expansion, more developers will have the opportunity to showcase their games, ensuring an even more diverse lineup. In addition to the more spacious booth concept, participants can apply for traditional booth formats as well as several free or discounted showcasing opportunities made possible by both new and returning partners.

Among the confirmed partnerships, the collaboration with Nintendo Switch™ will continue, securing eight fully sponsored showcase spots. Developers working on titles for the platform can apply for these exclusive opportunities through the event’s internal system. This initiative reinforces the commitment to supporting indie talent and expanding the reach of the showcased games.

Another exciting addition is the presence of the bpb – Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung (Federal Agency for Civic Education in Germany), which will host a booth dedicated to games exploring the theme of democracy. Interested teams must include the word "Democracy" in their application title and provide a summary explaining their game’s relevance to the theme. A jury will select the most compelling projects, which will receive free booth space within the bpb booth at the event.

Additionally, indie developers can submit their projects for free or discounted regional booth spaces offered by partners such as Catalan Arts (Catalonia, Spain), Swiss Games (Switzerland), Northern Ireland Screen (Northern Ireland), and, for the first time, Flanders Audiovisual Fund, which will support projects from Flanders and Brussels. This initiative strengthens the presence of global talent at the event and fosters connections between creators from different regions.

The Indie Arena Booth experience extends beyond the physical exhibition space. As is tradition, the event will feature a live Twitch broadcast, highlighting the most promising games of the edition. Additionally, all showcased titles will be included in the official gamescom Steam event, further amplifying their digital visibility throughout the convention.

Submissions for 2025 are now open and include various booth options: Small Booth (€3,000), Arcade Booth (€3,000), and Big Booth (€5,000), alongside the free spaces provided by Nintendo Switch and other initiatives. A complete overview of the free and discounted booth options, along with application requirements, can be found on the official event page. Regardless of the format chosen, all participants will receive a comprehensive support and service package.

The submission deadline is April 9, 2025, with all projects reviewed by a jury of over 60 renowned industry experts from around the world. For more information or any inquiries, interested parties can contact team@indiearenabooth.de.